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LET'S TAKE A TRIP TO A SKYSCRAPER by Sarah R. Riedman

LET'S TAKE A TRIP TO A SKYSCRAPER

By

Publisher: Abelard- Schuman

This is a more mature approach than the title suggests, a serious and interesting survey of the skyscraper's history, the methods of construction, the practical values, and the operation of the modern skyscraper. The difference is sharply defined between the old type wall-supported buildings and the new enclosed steel framework, first introduced when William Jenney planned the Home Insurance Company building in Chicago. This ushered in a new era in construction. Emphasis is on two types as exemplified by the Empire State Building and Lever House in New York. The dependence of construction procedure on building laws and development in methods is brought out. And there is something about the internal mechanism by which large masses of people are transported and serviced. It is definitely an enthusiastic presentation, with no mention of the liabilities-and focus on the assets, but it provides good grounding for fourth and fifth graders interested in these biggest of buildings. Primarily a city book.